George Michael - Songs From the Last Century
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Free Music Notes for Songs From the Last Century
Free Music Review: George Michael: Songs From The Last Century (1999)
Hit: 5 Stars
In 1999, George Michael released his fifth album entitled, SONGS FROM THE LAST CENTURY. This album is not as good as I had hoped it would be, but the brilliance of it is what persuaded me to give the album five stars.
BROTHER CAN YOU SPARE A DIME
Originally recorded by Tom Waites. I've never heard the original, but George did not do a bad job with recording this one. It's a song I can easily enjoy.
ROXANNE
Originally recorded by The Police. Between The Police's rendition and George's rendition, I prefer both. Both versions are incredible.
YOU'VE CHANGED
Originally recorded by Joni Mitchell. Both Joni's original and George's rendition are definitely worth listening to. Believe me.
MY BABY JUST CARES FOR ME
Originally recorded by Frank Sinatra. I am not a fan of Frank Sinatra's, although, his voice is very soothing. I did not really go for George's version either.
THE FIRST TIME EVER I SAW YOUR FACE
Originally recorded by Roberta Flack. Roberta Flack's version will always be the definitive version. George Michael's rendition is just as good as Roberta Flack's version.
MISS SARAJEVO
Originally recorded by U2. Never liked either version.
I REMEMBER YOU
I am not sure who originall recorded this song, but it has been covered by many artists over the years, such as Ella Fitzgerald, Frank Sinatra, The Ramones, Roxette, The Pretenders, etc. Not a bad rendition.
SECRET LOVE
Originally recorded by Frank Sinatra. Not bad.
WILD IS THE WIND
Originally recorded by Johnny Mathis. Never liked either version.
WHEN OR WHERE
Originally recorded by Rodgers & Hart. Not bad.
This is an album that'll remind you of the past and it is worth the money. At least in my opinion. But, anyway, buy yourself a copy if you don't have it already.
Free Music Review: older and refined
Hit: 5 Stars
I am sure that I'm not the only one of my generation to appreciate the music of George Michael. Of all the artists we were blessed with (and sometimes cursed with), he is one of the few who has grown with me and continued to evolve as an artist and a person. I think this compilation is a far cry from hits like "Everything She Wants" and "Careless Whisper", but continue ot haunt listeners with an eerily familiar presence on the pop music landscape. Some listeners may view the music from "Last Century" unfavorably or the sound to be melancholy, but it's a mature assortment of evocative, timeless, pieces. "First Time Ever I Saw Your Face" was masterfully re-ignited into my memory as the classic that it is. The soft, piano, accompaniment is a well-placed backround to the smooth alto of Michael. His rendition of "Brother Can You Spare A Dime" bespeaks of subjucation and bereavement that trancends your stereo. I don't know about you ,but the "loungy-ness" of Michael's version of "Roxanne" and Sinatra-like..."You've Changed" are refreshing and nostalgic for those of us who missed out on some truly "classy" eras in music when men wore suits and still "crooned" audiences. Even the "big-band" sound of "Secret Love" and "My Baby Just Cares For Me" are innoxious. For those of you who enjoyed the jazzy transitions of "Kissing A Fool" from Faith to "It Doesn't Matter" from Older, the allure of this album will not be lost on you! Aside from being the only artist to take the opportunity to pay tribute to "Music From The Last Century" this year... he made it his finest hour. Cheers.Free Music Review: don't believe them, it shines as a "snapshot"!
Hit: 5 Stars
First, you have to know he was required to deliver product to get out of his Dreamworks contract. Second- he was in very poor mental health at the time, dealing with delayed depression from many personal issues (not least the "incident"). Third-he is a man of integrity who gave all he had to give at the moment (his voice, and it's a damn good, if not great, one!). These songs shine as classics and George liked them enough to give them a shot for the ages; do you really think he was aiming for instant success here? I personally don't check for Mr. Ramone's touch on recordings, he's a bit too stodgy for my taste (Dusty's "Look of Love" the only exception, truly a monumental great recording!), but witness the spontaneous musicality of this effort... Twenty years time will tell us how good this really is, for now it's engaging enough and just a little challenging. George's sense of humour shines through evey bar of "Secret Love"! Much like Sinead's "Am I Not Your Girl", this one will gain polish with time (I hated that one when it came out, and now consider it a brilliant work!). When he wasn't creating the Mona Lisa, Mr. Da Vinci was often sketching. Even his doodles were Da Vinci originals. I'm sure there were fools who tossed Da Vinci sketches into the fire to keep warm for a second. The ones that remain are priceless. Think about it...
Like I said, consider it a musical snapshot and you're on the right track!
Free Music Review: Brilliant stylistic and artistic leap of "faith"
Hit: 5 Stars
If you're looking for a "WHAM" album, this isn't it. If you're looking for any of the radio friendly ditties from the height of GM's popularity, this isn't it, either!
What this IS, however, is a brilliant album. I purchased this album when it was first released in 1999, and it has remained in "heavy rotation" when I'm in "jazz mode". I can slap this CD on the carousel with everything from Billie Holliday to Sarah Vaughan to Diana Krall to Randy Crawford to well, you get the point. It's nice to have a male voice added to the mix and GM's fits right in without seeming out of place.
I have played this album for many of my music loving friends without telling them who it is...To a person, they've all been blown away and made comments like, "THE George Michael, no way!", "I didn't think I liked him!", "I've gotta go get this!" and "WHERE ON EARTH DID YOU HEAR ABOUT THIS ALBUM?!?"
Unlike many albums in my collection, "Songs From the Last Century" doesn't have a track I've gotten tired of or had to let "grow on me". I can honestly say that I love this album as a whole, not for a couple of tracks.
No doubt, some of the new crooners like Michael Buble' have listened to this album and taken note...
Released in 1999, I think it's time for a "Songs From the Last Century, II"...How about it, George?
Free Music Review: Another GREAT album that exceeded my expectation
Hit: 5 Stars
I remember in his "Cover to Cover" concert that he had such a talent to make other people's songs sound just as if they were his own. He also has been recording covers and they all have been amazing (most recent ones are Stevie Wonder's "As" and Bonnie Raitt's "I Can't Make You Love Me."). It was apparent that I could expect a good album from him, but he easily exceeded my expectation and came out with another excellent album. What is most amazing to me is that he picked all different types of songs, and make an album, and all ten songs makes this album whole and complete. I mean there is no better arrangements or worse arrangements. They are all well arranged and produced that it makes this album a high quality one. I am very amazed how he recorded "Roxanne" and "Miss Sarajevo" with the sound that is really "Jazzy." This album makes you wonder if this is the same artist that wrote "Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go" (Not that it's a bad song). The entire album tends to be indeed slow, but very romantic. I'm very glad that he worked on this project. The great artist is the one that could take chances even if risks involved are great. This album certainly proved that he is one of the greatest artist of the 20th century.